I just want to clarify with someone from Fender if the standard plastic case that comes with a new Fender American Standard Strat is in fact ATA approved. Just because they have TSA approved locks doesn't mean that they are ATA approved cases. I'm moving to Europe shortly and taking my strats with me so I just want cover my butt here just in case I have a claim against an airline. Does Fender, on its website, have any documentary evidence that I can print off to prove that these cases meet ATA standards. Thanks !!

They are not ATA rated. ATA rated cases are built really stout and the new Fender cases are a huge improvement, but not ATA rated.

The new bill passed by house makes it law they have to let you carry on guitars. Not. Sure if it has been signed into law yet or not or how many you get to carry on.

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Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding. It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. Therefore, trust the physician and drink his remedy in silence and tranquility.-Khalil Gibran

if you do have to check them in to ride with the cargo,
loosen the strings,and pack as much stuff you can in the case, T-shirt, socks, towels, around the neck and headstock so the guitar will not move.
insure it if you can, this way any damage, or theft will be covered, the insurance is cheap.

here is a good site to prepare you for a trip.
http://www.gibson.com/en-us/lifestyle/f ... t_%20tips/

http://truefire.com/blog/sevens/7-tips- ... ar-part-1/

http://www.indie-music.com/modules.php? ... e&sid=2088

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1986 Kramer Baretta
1989 Samick "The Samick" Les Paul
2007 Fender Strat MIM Deluxe / 1985 MIJ neck
1990 Epiphone Strat
Marshall JCM 2000 DLS 50 watt / Marshall 1960a 4x12

https://soundcloud.com/jim-slimjim-cassi

http://www.skbcases.com/industrial/supp ... g=s&id=167

Even if the case is ATA Spec 300, it doesn't guaranty something can't happen to the instrument. Insurance is the only way to protect your investment. I agree with other folks, if you can carry it on, that is the best and inexpensive alternative.

These days if I was going to be flying with my guitars I would probably get the SKB Waterproof flight cases, they are built much tougher than their standard hard cases. Even though the standard cases have TSA locks you will notice they don't call them flight cases.

They are expensive though ($249) so you have to weight what your guitar is worth to you...

http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/ ... &c=75&s=75

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessor ... light-case

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Bob

Fender CD280S NAT, Recording King RO-127
Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster BSB
American Special/Highway One Telecaster hybrid Partscaster
Fender 60th Anv Am Std Telecaster, Natural/Rosewood
http://community.webshots.com/user/rjstaaf